Law Day
OtherWhat Is Law Day?
October 1st is "Law Day" in Japan, established in 1960 by the Ministry of Justice at the recommendation of the Supreme Court, the Public Prosecutors Office, and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. The date commemorates the enforcement of the Jury Act on this day in 1928.
A Day to Bring Law and the Courts Closer to Everyday Life
Law Day aims to deepen public understanding of the law and the judicial system, and to spread awareness of the importance of the rule of law.
- Origin: chosen to commemorate the enforcement of the Jury Act on October 1, 1928
- Purpose: to raise interest in the legal and judicial system and foster awareness of Japan as a nation governed by the rule of law
- Related activities: during "Law Day Week," courts and prosecutors' offices nationwide sometimes hold facility tours and legal consultation events
The History of Japan's Jury System
The Jury Act, enforced in 1928, allowed ordinary citizens to participate in criminal trials, but was suspended in 1943 due to low case numbers, among other factors. Japan's current lay judge (saiban-in) system, launched in 2009, is a new form of citizen participation building on that history.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Look into laws or judicial systems relevant to your everyday life
- Check for court tours or legal consultation events near you
- Deepen your understanding of the lay judge system
- Pay a bit more attention to legal issues and trials in the news
Our Daily Lives Rest on the Foundation of Law
The law, something we rarely think about day to day, is a vital framework supporting order and fairness in society. October 1st is a day to turn a little attention toward the theme of law and justice.